HARRY BAINS ON UNIONS | SAFE SCHOOLS | 9-1-1 OPERATORS | LITERACY BOOST
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE FALL 2019
A New Deal for People Going all in for a progressive Canada
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LEADING US
PAUL FAORO, PRESIDENT
Why we’re with Jagmeet The federal election on October 21 offers working people an opportunity to cast their ballot for an unambiguously pro-worker, pro-union leader and political party: Jagmeet Singh and Canada’s NDP. That would be the best answer to Justin Trudeau who, as Liberal leader in 2015, campaigned on an ostensibly progressive agenda but Paul Faoro ended up delivering nothing of the sort as prime minister. In the four years he’s been in office, the Liberals have either broken, delayed or outright abandoned many of their most fundamental promises to working people and their families. Remember how many times Trudeau claimed that the 2015 election would be the “last Canadian election ever fought under First Past the Post,” and that his government would bring in electoral reform? Well, you know the result. This coming election is being fought under the same outdated system. In other words, Trudeau lied to you.
Promises made, promises broken Trudeau and his government have fallen far short of their promises to fight climate change, leaving Canada well down the list of countries that are taking action to reduce emission. What’s more, his involvement in the SNC Lavalin scandal puts the lie to his claim that the Liberals would be ethical and govern according to the rule of law. It’s a Liberal party tradition: they campaign as progressives, then govern like Conservatives. The Conservatives replaced former Prime Minister Stephen Harper with Andrew Scheer, who some have described as “Harper with a smile.” The problem is, it’s the same old hard-right Conservative party that Harper built. Scheer will tell you that he’ll cut your taxes and put more money in your pocket, but the reality is the same old story: it’s the richest Canadians and the biggest corporations that would enjoy the benefit of Conservative tax cuts, while the rest of
READY FOR ACTION CUPE young workers at Convention 2019.
us would see funding slashed for health care and other important social programs. Let’s remember that the Green Party is no friend of working people or progressives, either. Here in B.C., we’ve seen the three-member Green caucus stop the BC NDP government from making it easier for workers to organize or join a union to improve their lives. And federal leader Elizabeth May even tolerates anti-choice Green candidates who oppose current laws respecting women’s reproductive rights. In my mind, the clear choice for workers is the NDP and Jagmeet Singh. The clever rebranding of the party initials as a “New Deal for People” has the potential to broaden the NDP’s base and appeal to a new generation of voters who have no interest in the establishment parties. And that “New Deal” is much more than a campaign slogan — the proof is right there in the party platform, which you can read at ndp.ca/commitments.
Getting out the vote As the main feature (pages 10–13) for this issue of Public Employee makes clear, there’s a lot at stake on October 21. And there’s a lot you can do as members to help elect CUPE candidates — including CUPE’s own Laurel Collins (Local 4163) in Victoria and Randy Anderson-Fennell (Local 728) in Delta. CUPE BC has been working hard with our Locals and District Councils to identify CUPE members who want to get involved, providing them with the necessary training and connecting them to local campaigns to volunteer. If you’re interested in helping out in the final days before the vote, please contact our election coordinator, Steven Beasley, at sbeasley@cupe.ca. While the odds of an NDP victory may be long, let’s not forget that most commentators and pundits had written off Jack Layton’s campaign throughout most of the 2011 election — but on Election Day, Layton’s team won the most seats in NDP history and formed the Official Opposition. As Jack was fond of saying, “Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done!” FOLLOW PAUL ON TWITTER @paulfaoro
MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE
CUPE ACT ION
CUPE welcomes 68 new members In recent months, three CUPE locals have welcomed a total of 68 new members to our union. Forty-seven workers at the WISH Drop-in Centre Society, which works for the well-being of women involved in Vancouver’s street-based sex trade, voted overwhelmingly to become members of CUPE 1936. CUPE 626 welcomed 13 new members who are inside workers at Lumby City Hall and early childhood educators from White Valley and Cherryville community centres. And CUPE 556 (Comox Valley Municipal Workers) welcomed eight workers from the Hornby Island Residents and Ratepayers Association who run the island’s recycling depot. (See story page 9.) Welcome to CUPE!
CUPE 118 nets wins for precarious workers PORT ALBERNI | After more than 10 months at the table and several weeks of limited job action, CUPE 118 members working for the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District ratified a new collective agreement at the end of July that will make a difference for precarious workers. “While there is still work to do, these negotiations achieved new seniority protections for long-serving casuals and temporary staff, which was our goal from Day One,” said CUPE 118 President Stacy Watton.
PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION Warren Williams (third from right) signed the collaborative agreement on CUPE’s behalf, acting in his capacity as K–12 Presidents Council President.
Making our schools more inclusive NEW AGREEMENT WILL MAKE K–12 EDUCATION SAFER VANCOUVER | All 60 public school districts joined the BC SOGI Educator Network on May 17 in a formal agreement to make schools safe and inclusive for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities (SOGI). “CUPE is pleased to be on board for this very important SOGI 123 initiative with the province and other education and community stakeholders,” said CUPE K–12 Presidents Council President Warren Williams, at a signing ceremony marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. “It is important that students are able to attend safe, inclusive schools. They should never feel ‘less than’ (anyone else).” At a signing ceremony emceed by BC NDP MLA Mable Elmore, B.C. Education
Minister Rob Fleming said the agreement celebrates the positive impacts of SOGIinclusive education. Representatives of B.C.’s K–12 education partners group formed a new Provincial K–12 SOGI Collaborative to support students of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. The group will identify and provide support or advice on a variety of projects, offer professional development and training opportunities, and share information on best practices between schools and districts. SOGI provides schools with ready-touse, grade-level appropriate materials that align with B.C.’s new curriculum for the benefit of all B.C. students.
Western Canada civic workers tackle common challenges KELOWNA | Municipal and library workers from Canada’s four western provinces gathered in Kelowna from June 11 to 14 for their biennial conference on challenges facing the municipal sector. Conference workshops and panel discussions addressed both emerging issues and long-term challenges facing the sector. Sessions on the rise of right-wing populism, bringing work back in-house, bargaining for better benefits, improving membership engagement, and understanding the
challenges faced by sister leaders were particularly popular and engaging — as was a keynote address by B.C. Labour Minister Harry Bains (see guest column on page 7.) The conference concluded with a presentation from B.C. locals on the value of regional campaigns. The session recognized municipal and library workers in the
Thompson-Okanagan and the South Coast for playing a leadership role in developing this key pre-bargaining tactic.
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CUPE ACT ION
MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE
VOICES
CUPE MEMBERS IN THE MEDIA
“We’re not going to go down and fight Goliath like that, especially since we have such a good relationship with our district.” CUPE 788 President Larry Melious says a two-per-cent wage increase for Gulf Islands K–12 support staff is good news for members after years of zeroes from BC Liberal governments. Gulf Islands Driftwood, August 21, 2019. “There’s an exchange going on but it’s not very cultural.” CUPE 561 President Dave Ginter, in a letter to the editor, raises questions about School District 43’s business relationship with the People’s Republic of China. Tri-City News, August 15, 2019. “Our main fight right now is fighting for job security…This isn’t tenure. This isn’t permanent.” CUPE 4163 President Greg Melnechuk says that University of Victoria sessional instructors raising awareness about their poor working conditions are not seeking pay increases above the province’s public-sector bargaining mandate despite living in one of B.C.’s most expensive cities. Victoria Times-Colonist, August 8, 2019. “We need a government that’s willing to invest in housing, healthcare and poverty reduction. We also need a government willing to take real leadership and action on climate change.” CUPE 728 Second Vice-President Randy Anderson-Fennell, on why he decided to seek the NDP nomination in Delta for the upcoming federal election. He was acclaimed on July 31. Delta Optimist, July 25, 2019. “These new members are a good fit with CUPE Local 626. We are really looking forward to working with them.” CUPE 626 Acting President Bryce De Dood welcomes 13 new members to his local, which represents mostly Vernon municipal workers. The new members are inside workers at the Village of Lumby and early childhood educators from the White Valley and Cherryville community centres. The Morning Star, July 2, 2019. “It is crucial that employers invest in prevention and a robust enforcement regime to protect their most important assets, the workers.” CUPE 4203 President Cory Longley, attending Dawson Creek’s annual Day of Mourning ceremony, pledges to continue working with the City to ensure that his Local’s members always arrive home safely. The Mirror, May 16, 2019.
SISTERHOOD ROCKS! CUPE women were among the approximately 300 North American union sisters who attended this year’s Western Regional Summer Institute for Union Women (July 2-6) at UBC. This year’s theme was “Equity. Justice. Reconcili-action: Building worker power through Intersectional feminism and activism.”
K–12 locals bargain BURNABY | The majority of CUPE K–12 locals reached and ratified collective agreements by the end of June, with some bargaining continuing into July and August. With a provincial framework agreement deadline of November 30 to complete local table negotiations, 10 CUPE K–12 locals were still working on reaching collective agreements at press time. Two locals came to impasse and a third was at the Labour Board. Locals had diverse experiences when it came to their respective bargaining tables and characterized the process differently. While some felt that they had achieved improvements that touched almost all members, others felt that more could have been accomplished with fewer restrictions on local bargaining table monies. (For the first time in many years, the parties had agreed to allocate money to local bargaining tables as part of the provincial framework agreement.) Some locals felt that bargaining would have been easier if there had been more clarity on funding allocation. The BC Public School Employers’ Association’s mandate required that the funds be used to provide better services to students through improvements such as professional development and skills enhancement. Meanwhile, CUPE participated in the government’s K–12 Funding Formula Review, sitting on four committees with other education stakeholders. Over numerous meetings they looked at the current funding model and the recommended K–12 model that the Funding Formula Panel presented for feedback. The committee has completed its work and reported to the Ministry of Education. K–12 stakeholders expect to hear further from the government on the recommendations some time in October.
MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE
CUPE ACT ION
UVIC LOCAL DRIVES HOME ITS MESSAGE ON CITY BUSES VICTORIA | CUPE 4163 Component 3 is shining a light on the University of Victoria (UVic)’s poor treatment of sessional lecturers with a public campaign on Victoria’s buses that began in September. Lack of job security and low wages have put these educators in a precarious situation. Sessional lecturers and music instructors who teach 30 per cent of UVic’s students are low-paid, receive very short notice about what courses they’ll be teaching, and need to reapply for their position every single term. “For term instructors, it can be pretty tough,” said CUPE 4163 President Greg Melnechuk. Some educators have seen class sizes almost double. As a result, student assessment could be based more on quizzes and exams than on written assignments, with less in-class time for critical thinking and discussion. Teaching moments are lost, and student experience is compromised. The local is not seeking wage increases beyond what other public sector locals in B.C. have already received but is standing up to address the lack of job security at UVic. Melnechuk said that most people have no idea about the difference between faculty and sessional staff or the increasing precarity for those working in universities. CUPE 4163 Component 3 took a strike vote after five months of exhaustive bargaining sessions with an employer that refused to hear or address ongoing issues of precarious work and workload. See more information online at 4163.cupe.ca.
Conferences highlight library workers’ role in effecting progressive change SURREY | Library workers play an important role in preserving democracy and advocating for progressive change in our communities. That was a key message at this year’s BC Library Conference (May 8–10), hosted by the BC Library Association with platinum sponsorship by CUPE BC. From promoting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples to providing safe haven for the impoverished, libraries and their workers exemplify the values of an inclusive and compassionate society, said CUPE BC General Vice-President Karen Ranalletta. “Library workers have always been at the heart of progressive change and democracy,” said Ranalletta, noting that B.C.’s first ever Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Judy Darcy, was a library worker before she became CUPE National president in 1991 — the only library worker to have led a national trade union. In Prince George, this year’s Beyond Hope Library Conference (June 3–4) drew 167 delegates from public, academic, school, post-secondary and special libraries to northern B.C. CUPE Organizer Zoe Magnus said the union’s sponsorship of the conference was worthwhile. “We’ve had positive engagement with library workers and employers throughout the region,” said Magnus. “Delegates — including employers — particularly appreciated CUPE’s sponsorship of the Summer Reading Club, which saw 163,000 children in 200 B.C. communities participate last year, the Library Health & Safety report, and the WorkSafe BC magnets and cards.” Nearly 4,000 library workers in B.C. are CUPE members working in school, public or academic libraries.
University locals at the table In university sector bargaining, CUPE 3799, representing support staff at the University of Northern British Columbia, and CUPE 116, representing Trades, Technicians and Custodial workers at the University of British Columbia, both ratified collective agreements in June that made gains for their members. CUPE 4879 (Thompson Rivers University) was in mediation at press time. All other university locals had open tables: CUPE 2278 and CUPE 2950 (University of British Columbia); CUPE 3886 (Royal Roads); and CUPE locals at the University of Victoria – CUPE 917, CUPE 951, and CUPE 4163, Components 1 and 2.
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CUPE FOCUS
EMERGENCY DISPATCHERS
More than just a number 9-1-1 OPERATORS ARE STRETCHED TO THE LIMIT WHILE PROVIDING A CRITICAL PUBLIC SERVICE RICHMOND | On December 20 last year, a violent windstorm battered the South Coast, sending trees tumbling onto homes and roadways, cutting power lines, and — among other devastating impacts — destroying 30 metres of White Rock’s iconic pier. As the chaos unfolded, the Lower Mainland call centre for 9-1-1 operators was deluged with phone calls. “During extreme weather, it’s not unusual to receive lots of calls,” says 9-1-1 Operator and CUPE 873-02 Unit Chair Matthew Bordewick. “But on that day, the call volume exploded. Over a 12-hour period, the number of 9-1-1 calls we received was 5,883 — more than twice the number of a regular Thursday.” The problem for Bordewick and his colleagues was understaffing: they answered 82 per cent of those calls in five seconds or less, but the usual standard is 95 per cent. “I would definitely not want to be someone calling in with a medical or police emergency that night with 9-1-1 running at 13 per cent below standard,” says Bordewick, recalling the frenzy of incoming emergencies that lit up the call centre that night. “And keep in mind: that’s only the initial 9-1-1 operator call answer, not the time it takes to get through to the secondary public safety answer points: Police, Fire or Medical call-takers.”
An evolving service As Bordewick makes clear, 9-1-1 operators are proud of their work as the “first first responders” of B.C.’s emergency response network. “It is rewarding work that allows us to help hundreds of people a day,” he says. “But with the increase in service, the nature of the work has changed dramatically.” In recent years, the Emergency Dispatchers of British Columbia (CUPE 873-02, representing dispatchers, call-takers, and support staff at E-Comm 9-1-1), have seen their service expand from a select number of police and fire agencies in Metro Vancouver to becoming the first point of contact for 9-1-1 callers in 25 regional districts, 40 fire departments and 36 police agencies across B.C. — or 99 per cent of the province’s 9-1-1 call volume. As a result, CUPE 873-02 call takers and dispatchers are being stretched to the limit. Ongoing problems include: a nearly 30-per-cent attrition rate, as employees leave for other agencies with reasonable workloads and more leave flexibility; a hemorrhaging of senior, experienced
staff (approximately 59 per cent of E-Comm operators have under 21 months of service); a low retirement rate; increased workload due to chronic understaffing and an overwhelming amount of overtime; deteriorating working conditions; and an uncompetitive compensation package (E-Comm emergency call takers earned less than Vancouver City 3-1-1 operators last year).
9-1-1 operators are people, too With higher call volumes, there are fewer gaps between calls and a more consistent incoming stream of new calls requiring constant attention. This means that 9-1-1 operators are more likely to face one call after the other, many involving significant traumatic content, with no opportunity to recover between calls. Meanwhile, after several years of rapid growth and expansion across the province, E-Comm continues to absorb more police and 9-1-1 operators are fire call taking and dispatch more likely to face functions. Bordewick describes the accompanying shift toward one call after the centralization of this work as other, many involving the “Wal-martization” of 9-1-1 significant traumatic service. CUPE 873-02, currently content, with no bargaining for a new collective opportunity to recover agreement, hopes to see positive changes that will help between calls. emergency dispatchers provide the best service possible. This means tackling the staffing shortage to protect the mental health of dispatchers, call-takers, and support staff to ensure that they meet the highest standards in call-answer times; providing a competitive employment package; and, recruiting and retaining quality staff into the profession. “To first responders on the road, emergency dispatchers and call-takers are that omnipresent, faceless voice on the radio. To the public, we’re that calm voice on the other end of the phone when someone calls 9-1-1 for help on the worst day of their life,” says Bordewick. “Our members have your back 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. We’re more than just a number.”
UNIONS AND GOVERNMENTS
CUPE FOCUS
GUEST COLUMN
Working together to make life better THE BC NDP GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT UNIONS ARE A FORCE FOR GOOD By the Hon. Harry Bains IT WAS A GREAT HONOUR to An important component in improving lives is stopping to listen speak at CUPE’s Western Municipal to how that is best achieved. For instance, consultations helped Conference in the Okanagan this shape amendments we made to the Labour Relations Code, summer. Thank you for the work you do bringing greater protections for workers, job security, labour rights to give a voice to CUPE’s members and and stability for employers. I encourage you all to participate in strengthen workplaces in our province. consultations when they arise — because we will listen. This is My own connection to B.C.’s labour important to my government, hearing feedback before making movement is long and deeply changes. personal, starting as a union member, Leveling the playing field growing into union leadership, and now supporting safe and healthy workplaces as B.C.’s Minister Our government wants a strong, sustainable and competitive of Labour. This history has shown me that, over the years, the economy. To have that, we must also have fairness, opportunity influence of the labour movement has ebbed and flowed. Unions and growth for workers and employers alike. Fair labour and across this country have faced fierce opposition employment laws are key to achieving these and intimidation — including by governments I encourage you all to participate goals, because they ensure the benefits of hostile to the labour movement. the economy are distributed throughout our in consultations when they
communities, not just to those at the top. Our government’s recent changes to labour This is important to my Here in B.C., our government believes that and employment laws restore stability, ensure government, hearing feedback unions are a force for good. Our government workplaces remain efficient, and offer greater before making changes. believes that strong labour laws support safe worker protections. It doesn’t matter where B.C.’s and productive workplaces. Our government workers come from — whether someone is a believes that workers are a powerful economic driver of this citizen, a permanent resident or a temporary foreign worker makes province. And, our government believes that workers matter. no difference. Workers are the backbone of our economy, and they The other thing that matters is who is in government. I encourage need protections. you to make efforts to have leaders in place that value and respect Today and every day, our government puts people first. Today workers. To make sure that you have people who will protect and every day, we take decisive action, working to make a better the health, safety and job security of your members and work to British Columbia. improve the lives of all British Columbians. The Honourable Harry Bains is B.C.’s Minister of Labour.
Workers have a voice
CUTTING TO THE CHASE CUPE BC SecretaryTreasurer Trevor Davies (left rear) and other workers join B.C. Labour Minister Harry Bains in Burnaby on August 28 for a ritual scrapping of the “self-help” kit, a barrier for workers seeking justice for poor treatment by employers. Thanks to new legislation, workers who feel their rights have been violated can now file complaints directly with the Employment Standards Branch.
arise — because we will listen.
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LINKING LABOUR
MEENA BRISARD, REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Making the most of good relationships When B.C. Labour Minister Harry Bains rolled out the Horgan government’s highly anticipated amendments to the provincial Labour Code on April 30, it marked the most significant overhaul of B.C. labour law — certainly the most balanced — in decades. The big difference this time was the degree of consultation with the labour Meena Brisard movement: for this year’s amendments, CUPE BC and other unions were part of the review process from the very beginning. Unlike the Campbell/Clark BC Liberal administrations, the BC New Democrats have actively sought our advice and we have given it. Since the swearing-in ceremony two years ago, CUPE BC has filed at least a dozen submissions including for the annual provincial budget, the K–12 funding formula review, and the poverty reduction strategy. For the Labour Code review, the government accepted most of our recommendations.
Restoring fairness for workers The changes introduced by Minister Bains (see his guest column, page 7) are significant. Among other things, the revised Code makes it easier for unorganized workers to join unions and harder for employers to interfere in organizing drives. Under the previous law, employers could not lower (or raise) the pay of any bargaining unit employee, or alter any other term or condition of employment, until four months had passed after certification. This “freeze period” has been extended to 12 months, which better reflects the reality of how long it takes to achieve a first collective agreement. It also protects vulnerable, newly-organized employees during this process. Employers in unorganized worksites can no longer engage in anti-union campaigns, as are commonly used by employers during organizing drives in the U.S. The new Code also includes protections against contract flipping, a huge win for labour and especially for our sisters and brothers at the Hospital Employees’ Union who are still recovering from the privatization and contracting out of direct care and support services over the previous 17 years. The government also took CUPE’s recommendations into consideration in amending the Employment Standards Act (ESA).
A significant change for unionized workers is that collective agreements must now meet or exceed the ESA’s minimum provisions. The new ESA also provides better protection for children and youth from dangerous work, and for Unlike the Campbell/Clark workers fleeing domestic BC Liberal administrations, violence. the BC New Democrats have While we celebrate these actively sought our advice changes, we are disappointed and we have given it. that — due to pressure from the BC Green Party — the new Labour Code stopped short of implementing the one-step, ‘card check’ certification process, instead retaining the secret ballot system. There is still more work to be done to ensure that workers have the protection necessary to create safer, healthier and more equitable workplaces. But it’s a lot easier to get there with a government that consults with labour.
The LRB: from adjudicator to problem-solver The winds of change are also apparent in our working relationship with the BC Labour Relations Board. Since the appointment of former HEU staffer Jacquie de Aguayo as LRB chair early last year, there has been a more collaborative approach with all the key players in B.C.’s labour community. In an effort to make the board the place to go for exploring solutions rather than just adjudicating disputes, the LRB has been inviting stakeholders from the community, including CUPE, to provide input on a range of issues. Our organizers, lawyers and other staff have participated in discussions with the LRB about how processes might change to support the labour relations community, to identify issues, and to resolve disputes without resorting to formal applications and lengthy hearings. One immediate result of the consultation has been more flexibility and participation in the hearing process for certifications. For example, there’s more use of in-person hearings and appearances at hearings by telephone. This has made organizing easier by streamlining processes and saving costs. And so, with this new relationship, there are more opportunities to be heard at the LRB, to resolve our more urgent issues in a timely and cost-effective manner, and to solve larger problems with the board’s assistance. No doubt, a big win for workers.
NEWS BRIEFS LOCAL 556
CUPE WELCOMES HORNBY ISLAND RECYCLING WORKERS
GROWING SECTOR CUPE’s Health Care Presidents Council met in Nanaimo on August 14. Along with other sector-related business, the Presidents also revised a protocol agreement to strengthen relationships with other union partners. The Presidents anticipate growth in the sector in coming months.
COURTENAY | Eight workers at the Hornby Island Recycling Depot became members of CUPE 556 in a Labour Relations Board vote in August. “Our local is so pleased to welcome these members who proudly run a recycling depot that is the envy of the Gulf Islands,” said CUPE 556 President Karen Garrett. “These members are a great fit with our municipal workers and we look forward to bargaining their first contract.” Garrett noted that the whole community is rightly proud of the recycling depot managed by the community-based Hornby Island Residents and Ratepayers Association and run by the group’s newest members.
STANDING UP FOR HOTEL WORKERS
LOCAL 523
NEW AGREEMENT
COLLEGE LOCALS RAMP UP TO BARGAIN
VANCOUVER | Our friends from UNITE HERE Local 40 have been going through some tough negotiations with five hotels in downtown Vancouver — including the Westin Bayshore, where CUPE BC holds its conventions every other year. As the parties headed toward a stalemate over the summer, job action or a lockout appeared likely for the 1,500 workers without a contract for nearly a year.
CUPE 523 reached a local Community Social Services agreement with North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society (NOYFSS) over the summer. Celebrating the signing were CUPE 523 Unit Chair Craeg Pohorelic, left, and former CUPE member Dean Francks, recently appointed as NOYFSS executive director after serving as the Society’s business and fund development director.
Following eight days of unsuccessful negotiation at the provincial multi-union table, college locals will now bargain with their employers individually. All issues will now go to each local table for negotiation. CUPE 1858 (Vancouver Island University) has begun negotiations. At press time, all other college locals were in various stages of preparation for bargaining this fall: Camosun College, College of New Caledonia, College of the Rockies, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Langara and North Island College. All collective agreements expired on June 30, except for CUPE 4627 (Vancouver Community College) whose contract expired on September 30.
K–12 MEMBERS NOMINATED FOR PREMIER’S AWARDS
SUPPORTING HOTEL WORKERS In July, CUPE BC members attended rallies and spoke to Vancouver City Council in support of a motion to end sexual harassment and violence in Vancouver’s hospitality and service industries.
Five CUPE K–12 support staff have been named as finalists for the 2019 Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education. Finalists in the Outstanding Support – School Community category are Indigenous youth care worker Jodi Guy, a CUPE 723 member at École Phoenix Middle school in Campbell River; Dorothy Jones, a CUPE 523 member and Indigenous education worker at A.L. Fortune Secondary School in Enderby; and Wendell Williams, a CUPE 379 member and safe school specialist at École Alpha Secondary in Burnaby. In the Outstanding Support – Teaching Assistant category, nominees are education assistants Elaine Bayles, a CUPE 947 member at Glanford Middle School in Victoria, and Marie Kielpinski, a CUPE 3523 member at Mount Boucherie Secondary School in West Kelowna.
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MAIN FEATURE PAGE 2 OF 3
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This is a country where we believe in taking care of one another. We can build the country of our dreams: a country where everyone has a place to call home, health care when you need it, clean water to drink and clean air to breathe, a good job, and a bright future.
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What’s at stake on October 21? On October 21, Canadians go to the polls to elect a new federal government. The election is expected to be close, so B.C. votes could prove the difference.
HERE ARE FIVE KEY ISSUES IN THE CAMPAIGN:
AFFORDABILITY
Under both the Harper Conservatives and the Trudeau Liberals, life has gotten more and more expensive. The soaring costs of housing, child care, and even Internet and cell phone accounts is out of control. And yet, at every turn, the Liberals and Conservatives side with their wealthy backers and big corporations. Neither Justin Trudeau nor Stephen Harper’s replacement, Andrew Scheer, can be trusted to make life more affordable for working people. Jagmeet Singh and the NDP will take action on making housing more affordable — and available — and work to bring other costs down. And they’ll do it by raising taxes on the wealthy and big corporations so they finally pay their fair share. FIGHTING PRIVATIZATION
This is so obvious by now that it almost doesn’t bear repeating: the NDP is the only party that will stand up against the privatization of public assets and services. The Liberals talk a good game about public services, but one of Trudeau’s first actions as prime minister was to establish the Canada Infrastructure Bank specifically to privatize public facilities and services. CLIMATE CHANGE
Trudeau pledged to take serious action to reduce harmful emissions and address climate change, but his government’s most notable action on this issue was to purchase an aging pipeline. The Liberals have been no better on the environment than Stephen Harper‘s Conservatives — and Andrew Scheer wants to do even less! Only Jagmeet Singh and the NDP have a solid, forward thinking plan that will cut climate pollution and, at the same time, create 300,000 family-supporting jobs. PHARMACARE
Rx
While the Trudeau Liberals are now talking about baby steps toward a national pharmacare program, there’s no reason voters should trust them to deliver: they’ve been in power for four years and have done nothing on this file. Only the NDP has a plan to expand medicare to cover prescription drugs. ELECTORAL REFORM
In 2015, the Trudeau Liberals made another promise: that the election that year would be the final one under the first-past-the-post system. But the prime minister had no plan to deliver it and — by offering no explanation when he abandoned the issue — no intention of doing so, either. Electoral reform is badly needed in this country, but Trudeau used the issue as a cynical ploy to gain more votes for the Liberals. The NDP is committed to replacing the current unfair and unbalanced firstpast-the-post system with the more democratic proportional representation system.
10 things CUPE members can do to make a difference in this election Here are some suggestions on how members can help elect progressive candidates this election. The CUPE National website, www.cupe.ca, is loaded up with resources to help members and Locals find the information they need to get politically active:
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SHARE INFORMATION WITH YOUR MEMBERS ABOUT REGISTERING TO VOTE
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Encourage your members to make sure they’re registered at elections.ca. People who are registered are more likely to actually vote. Sharing this information with other members is an easy non-partisan way you can help. (Of course, make sure you’re registered, too.)
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GET TO KNOW WHERE CUPE STANDS ON THE ISSUES CUPE has produced a series of fact sheets about the key issues in this election. Read more about where the current government has fallen short and how we can improve the lives of workers across the country at cupe.ca/cupe-votes.
INVITE SOMEONE FROM CUPE TO SPEAK ABOUT THE ELECTION AT YOUR EXECUTIVE AND/OR MEMBERSHIP MEETING Not comfortable talking politics at your union meeting? Not a problem: we can find someone who is. Just ask your National Representative, or send an e-mail to our B.C. election coordinator, Steven Beasley, at sbeasley@cupe.ca.
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POST CUPE’S ELECTION MATERIAL ON UNION BOARDS IN THE WORKPLACE You can view, download, or order CUPE’s election materials online at cupe.ca/cupe-votes, including posters, flags, and fact sheets. Ordering is free (shipping included).
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CARRY THE CUPE SIGN-UP SHEET FOR CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS Getting our members involved in the campaign will help us expand our reach, and elect more worker-friendly MPs. Many members don’t attend membership meetings, so having these forms with you means you can sign members up outside of meetings. You can download these forms from cupe.ca.
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REGISTER TO ATTEND THE CUPE “USING OUR POWER AT ELECTION TIME” WORKSHOP IN YOUR AREA This workshop is great if you are new to involvement in politics and want to explore how you can engage with a campaign as a union member. Visit cupe.ca/mrm-unioneducation/events to find a workshop in your area.
7 ON THE COVER CUPE 4163 member and Victoria City Councillor Laurel Collins joins Paul Faoro and federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh at the Burnaby South nomination meeting. 12
BOOK A MEMBER (OR TWO!) OFF WORK TO TALK TO THE REST OF YOUR LOCAL MEMBERS ABOUT THE ELECTION Speaking directly with our members is the most efficient way to get the word out, and it has the bonus of creating a more cohesive and stronger group when we have to stand together in the future.
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ORGANIZE A DEBATE WATCHING PARTY FOR YOUR LOCAL This is a great social way to start political conversations within your Local. Invite your members to a local pub or social space where you can discuss the issues and challenge the anti-worker ideas coming from the other parties.
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INVITE YOUR MEMBERS TO COME CANVASSING WITH YOU You can share with your members that you will be volunteering for your local NDP candidate on a specific night and encourage them to join you. Canvassing can be intimidating when going alone; if you go as a group, it’s more fun and you will learn together while doing some of the most important work needed to get worker-friendly MPs elected to office.
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GO VOTE! Plan ahead: confirm that you’re registered to vote and that you know the location of your polling station. Don’t forget to bring your voter information card and proof of your identity and address. And if you’re volunteering on Election Day, make sure to vote early at the advance polls on October 11, 12, 13, and 14. You can also vote at any Elections Canada office from opening until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15. There’s lots more CUPE members can do to help elect progressive candidates — and you or your Local may have some innovative ideas, too. Just get in touch with B.C. election coordinator Steven Beasley at sbeasley@cupe.ca.
Standing up for a Progressive Canada VICTORIA | One of the most closely watched local races across the country is in the Capital Region, where CUPE 4163 member (and Victoria City Councillor) Laurel Collins is running for the NDP in the Victoria riding following the retirement of veteran NDP MP Murray Rankin. Collins, a longtime resident of Victoria, has been a strong advocate and activist for democratic reform, climate justice and housing affordability. One of the top vote-getters in the 2018 civic election in Victoria, she has an ability to connect with voters on the issues that matter to them. “I’ve gotten to know Laurel pretty well over the past few years, and I’m confident she’s going to be a strong representative for her constituents in Victoria,” says CUPE BC President Paul Faoro. “She’s been an active leader within her Local and has done a great job as a City Councillor. I know CUPE members who vote in Victoria will be very happy and proud of Laurel as their MP.” At press time, two other CUPE members had been confirmed as NDP candidates running in British Columbia: CUPE 728’s Randy Anderson-Fennell in Delta and CUPE 718’s Dustin Innes in Richmond Centre. CUPE members who wish to assist these or any other NDP candidates can contact our election coordinator, Steven Beasley, at sbeasley@cupe.ca and he’ll connect you with the campaign.
Remember: in this election, B.C. could hold the key to victory. With tight races expected across the country, the 42 seats up for grabs in British Columbia could decide who becomes prime minister, and whether or not there will be a majority government. That’s one more reason why it’s so important that CUPE members — all 97,000 of us across the province — get out to vote on Election Day.
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CUPE COMMUNITIES
MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Supporting the ongoing fight against poverty BURNABY | During its 56th annual convention in Victoria this past spring, CUPE BC decided to make a donation on behalf of each invited speaker and keynote presenter at the event. By the end of convention, the total donation to Victoria’s Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS) was $5,000. “TAPS does amazing work on behalf of Victoria residents experiencing poverty,” said CUPE BC SecretaryTreasurer Trevor Davies. “In addition to our ongoing annual support for the work that TAPS does, we’re very pleased, on behalf of all our delegates, and all of our more than 97,000 members across the province, to present this additional donation.” TAPS provides free services to people living on low or no incomes, including income assistance advocacy, expertise with the Residential Tenancy Act, employment standards regulations, and services and assistance for people with disabilities. For more information on TAPS, visit tapsbc.ca. TAPS’ workers are members of CUPE Local 374.
Giving B.C. literacy a boost BURNABY | CUPE BC contributed $50,000 this year to ensure that the BC Summer Reading Club (BC SRC) continues to award medals to children across the province who participate in this successful, inclusive and much-loved program. “We’re big supporters of the Summer Reading Club because it encourages and fosters learning and a life-long love of reading,” said CUPE BC President Paul Faoro. Added General Vice-President Karen Ranalletta in a comment on Facebook,
Raising our profile in the Thompson-Okanagan KAMLOOPS | With more than 850 members in 12 units spread across the 45,000 square kilometers of the Thompson-Nicole Regional District, CUPE 900 covers a lot of ground. While engaging with members and communities across such a vast region of B.C.’s central interior provides its challenges, local activists plan to turn those challenges into opportunities. Through a campaign supported by CUPE National, the local has spent the past year working to build capacity for more meaningful community and member engagement. In that time CUPE 900 has created a new logo and brand, produced a range of branded materials including tents, banners, stickers, leaflets and give-away
items, and created a new website while developing a social media plan. From community sponsorships to pop-up union offices at regional work sites, from participation in community events to increasing online and digital engagement, the local sees huge opportunities to demonstrate CUPE’s value to both members and the public across the region. “The work of our members makes the communities of the Thompson-Nicola better, so why not promote that fact?” said CUPE 900 President Carmen Sullivan. “If we put in the work, we can use our diversity, community connections and reach to build greater support for, and connections between, municipal workers, other CUPE members and other unionized workers across our region.”
“Mad props to our members, the library workers, who work so hard to deliver this program in every corner of the province.” The BC Summer Reading Club is a free literacy program designed to engage school-aged children, ages five to 14, with libraries and reading, throughout the summer. The program strives to do so in a way that is fun, educational, inclusive and community-oriented. The program is designed to allow libraries from every part of the Province to plan and deliver the program in the way that
best meets the distinctive needs of their communities. All children are invited to join the BC SRC by visiting their local library. For more information, visit bcsrc.ca.
MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
CUPE COMMUNITIES
Building community with fun in the Tri-Cities PORT COQUITLAM | Summer barbeques are always a big hit with union members, but CUPE likes to throw a good party for the public as well. On August 31, five CUPE locals in the Tri-Cities capped off the summer by hosting the fifth annual “CUPE Gives Back” family picnic. Families and friends enjoyed hot dogs and other food and refreshments served up from the CUPE 1936’s Lee Ann CUPE BC events trailer. The scenic Lalli explains unions to a location and cooperative weather member of the public. only added to the fun. Children enjoyed face painting, balloon artistry, and bouncy castle games on the excellent playgrounds of the popular Lions Park. The five participating CUPE locals were 498, 825, 1936, 386, and 561. CUPE 386 (Coquitlam Civic Employees) President Gord Willis, who helped organize the original event, thanked volunteers for sharing their time to make their community a better place. “We’re not here for any other purpose than to say, ‘Hi, how’re you doing? Have something to eat and enjoy yourself’,” he said. “We all share the same common goals and grounds. We live and work here, and we’re a part of the fabric of the community. We want to show it.”
REACHING OUT Participating local representatives, from left, Deea Bailey (CUPE 1936), Gord Willis (CUPE 386), Irene Schoemaker (CUPE 561), Christine Gervan (CUPE 825), and Ron Narayan (CUPE 498).
It’s all about giving back: CUPE 2098 GRAND FORKS | Local residents enjoyed a free public swim at the Grand Forks Aquatic Centre on June 21, kicking off the summer with a festive event, thanks to the sponsorship of CUPE Local 2098 (K–12 support staff). “This area has been through some tough economic times and families are still recovering from the flooding in 2018, so it was good to be able to give something back to our community,” said CUPE 2098 President Janet Thorpe. Members were so enthusiastic about the event that they suggested adding toys for kids to enjoy and take home at the end
MOTHERS UNITE! There was plenty of food and refreshment available as CUPE BC President Paul Faoro and the Community Events Trailer showed up for the Kootenay District Council’s Mother’s Day weekend celebration, held on May 11 at Creston Regional Library.
Kootenay CUPE locals celebrate Mother’s Day CRESTON | Members of the CUPE Kootenay District Council could not have asked for better weather or a better location for their Mother’s Day weekend celebration, held on May 11 at Creston Regional Library. With the CUPE BC community events trailer on-hand to support the event, members served hot dogs, hamburgers and ice-cold drinks to more than 300 local residents. Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains, community members enjoyed a relaxing, free family event with their neighbours and friends. “We were so pleased to host the event at the Creston Regional Library because it is such a vital public service for our community,” said Kootenay District Council President Anne Purvis. CUPE BC President Paul Faoro attended the event to lend a hand, engage with members, and connect with the community. “Public engagement is such an important part of what makes our union strong,” said Faoro. “It’s great to see members in the Kootenays taking a leadership role in community outreach and making good use of our community trailer.” CUPE locals wishing to book the trailer can fill out the online form at cupe.bc.ca/community_events_trailer. of the day. As well as squirt guns and inflatable toys, the local also donated swimming noodles to the aquatic centre. CUPE 2098 represents approximately 100 K–12 support workers in School District 51 (Boundary).
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CUPE GALLERY VANCOUVER
VICTORIA
PRINCE GEORGE
KAMLOOPS
SEASONAL RITES CUPE members around the province celebrated Pride and other events throughout the summer and on Labour Day weekend. SAANICH
CRANBROOK
PRINCE GEORGE
BURNABY
CUPE GALLERY
ABOVE LEFT, Vancouver Island CUPE members gathered in Cumberland for the annual Miner’s Memorial (June 21–23). Above right, CUPE 4879 members at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops greet the public at the Local’s welcome back barbeque on September 6.
ABOVE LEFT, members of CUPE 7000 (SkyTrain and Southern Rail workers) and their families enjoyed the Local’s summer picnic in Burnaby. Above right, CUPE BC President Paul Faoro and General Vice-President Karen Ranalletta, left, joined CUPE 15 members from the Emily Carr University of Art + Design on August 29 for B.C. Advanced Education Minister Melanie Mark’s announcement of the province’s new sexual violence prevention campaign beginning on public post-secondary campuses in 2019-20.
ABOVE LEFT, CUPE members attend the Kootenay District Council’s training session in Creston on September 6. Above right, CUPE BC leaders and CUPE staff joined leaders and activists from Denmark’s largest union, Fagligt Faelles Forbund, on June 7 to discuss the global fight for equality following the Women Deliver convention in Vancouver.
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POWER IN NUMBERS
TREVOR DAVIES, SECRETARY-TREASURER
Change brings new voices — and learning Like most democratic institutions, CUPE BC operates on a regular election cycle. Ours is a two-year term that started anew at our annual convention this past May. Elections for the entire executive board were held, and the results were a great mix of a few returning veterans and a lot of fresh faces. Of the 29 positions Trevor Davies on the board, 14 people hold new positions and 10 people attended their very first Executive Board meeting at our annual Think Tank in July. This represents a lot of change and opportunity for new voices and ideas to shape our provincial direction. I’m excited to work with such a new group, but I would also like to acknowledge the departure of some very experienced board members: Cindy McQueen, Karen Wong, Frank Lee, Tanya Paterson, and Drew Parris, as well as trustee Laurie Whyte. All served multiple terms and I want to thank them for their years of service.
their expectations by reporting back on the progress of those resolutions at the next year’s convention. One of the other big tasks following the election of a new board is appointing members to committees. CUPE BC has 21 committees that cover all the sectors plus a Determining how to enact few standing, or issue50-plus resolutions is critical oriented, committees. to ensuring that we follow Committees serve a bit less than the two-year through with the direction term of the executive given to us by locals. board, as they fall under the board’s authority: their term starts in October this year and ends at the 2021 convention. Committees are filled through nominations from locals and district councils across the province; the officers then appoint roughly 12 members to each.
How the union works
We try to have each committee represent a wide range of members, so that means considering various factors. These include different sectors, work backgrounds, experience, diversity and regional location. It’s a big project to assemble all 21 committees, especially when we can receive up to 40 nominations for 12 spots. But our new board worked through the tough decisions this summer, and we look forward to welcoming the 252 members appointed to the committees when we gather for our One Big Committee Meeting this October in Richmond. CUPE BC has a lot of work to do over the next two years supporting our locals, working with District Councils and ensuring that the rights of CUPE members are front and centre for our local, provincial and federal governments. I am excited about all the great work we will accomplish together.
With so many new members on our executive, we placed a stronger emphasis on orientation at this year’s Think Tank meeting. Detailed presentations by myself and our Director of Operations, Kiran Kooner, walked participants through the responsibilities of board members, governance, and how the office of CUPE BC actually operates behind the scenes. We dedicated a lot of time to reviewing all the resolutions passed at our convention and developing the game plan on how to implement each one of them. For those unfamiliar with the process, locals/district councils or committees submit resolutions in advance of convention that direct CUPE BC to set policy, develop actions including campaigns, and even amend or change our constitution. Determining how to enact 50-plus resolutions is critical to ensuring that we follow through with the direction given to us by locals and that we meet
Reflecting a diverse membership
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Annual General Meeting
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Doing right by you. Learn more at the 2019 AGM
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PRESIDENT
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SECRETARY-TREASURER
Trevor Davies
ENDLESS SAVINGS & MORE (ESM)
DISCOUNTS ON YOUR SMART PHONE FOR CUPE BC MEMBERS Download a CUPE BC version of the ESM App to save on everyday purchases from hundreds of businesses including national chain retailers, service and travel providers. To get the ESM App, go to your app store (Google or Apple). When you first download the ESM App, you will be asked for the “organization code” for CUPE BC. It’s: cupebc
For complete details, download the welcome letter for CUPE BC members at esmobileapp.com/files/WelcomeCUPEBC.pdf
EDITOR
Dan Gawthrop CONTRIBUTORS
Steven Beasley Clay Suddaby Janet Szliske PHOTOS
CUPE Communications, various CUPE Locals, and Josh Berson GRAPHIC DESIGN
Pete Tuepah and Nadene Rehnby, Hands On Publications COVER PHOTO
Wendy D. CUPE BC acknowledges that our province of British Columbia is located on the homelands of Indigenous nations and cultures.